10 Best Things to Do in La Paz, Bolivia

Looking for what to do in La Paz? Bolivia’s high-altitude capital is one of South America’s most fascinating cities — a place where Andean traditions, dramatic landscapes and vibrant urban life collide. Sitting at over 3600m above sea level, La Paz is a city of steep hills, colourful markets and sweeping views shaped by the surrounding Andes. Whether you are here for culture, adventure or unforgettable scenery, La Paz delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

This guide covers the 10 best things to do in La Paz, from exploring ancient pre-Columbian sites to riding cable cars above the city and discovering the otherworldly landscapes of the Moon Valley. Use this list to plan a well-rounded visit that mixes culture, cuisine and the city’s famous high-altitude atmosphere.

1. Ride the Mi Teleférico Cable Cars

No visit to La Paz is complete without gliding high above the city on the Mi Teleférico cable car network. These brightly coloured gondolas form the world’s largest urban cable car system and connect La Paz with the higher city of El Alto. As you rise over rooftops, canyons and busy streets, you’re rewarded with panoramic views stretching all the way to Mount Illimani’s snow-capped peak.

Each line offers a different perspective, but the Red, Yellow and Silver lines are the most popular for first-time visitors. The entire experience feels like a sightseeing tour disguised as public transport — affordable, efficient and visually spectacular.

Tip: Avoid rush hour for the smoothest ride and clearer photos from the windows.

2. Wander Through the Witches’ Market

Perhaps the most famous attraction in La Paz, the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas) is a fascinating look into traditional Andean beliefs. Stalls sell everything from herbs and medicinal plants to charms, amulets, coca leaves and even dried llama fetuses used in Aymara rituals. It’s an intriguing mix of spirituality, superstition and culture.

Vendors are knowledgeable and often happy to explain the meaning behind items. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs like colourful textiles, silver jewellery or Andean crafts. Even if you’re not shopping, the market is a lively slice of everyday La Paz.

Tip: Visit in the morning for a calmer atmosphere and better browsing.

3. Visit the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna)

Just 10km from central La Paz lies the surreal landscape of the Valley of the Moon. Eroded clay formations create a maze of sharp spires, deep gullies and bizarre rock shapes that look like something from another planet. Walking through its marked trails gives you a close-up view of how wind and water shaped this geological wonder over thousands of years.

The colours change throughout the day, so arriving in late afternoon offers beautifully soft light for photography. Despite the rugged appearance, the trails are easy enough for most visitors, making it a perfect half-day trip.

Tip: Bring water — the altitude makes walking feel more strenuous than expected.

4. Explore the Historic District Around Plaza Murillo

Plaza Murillo is the political and historical heart of La Paz. The square is framed by key buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the National Congress and the Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s a lively public space filled with people, pigeons and occasional demonstrations, offering a window into modern Bolivian life.

The surrounding streets feature colonial architecture, busy shops and small cafés, making this an excellent starting point for exploring central La Paz. The atmosphere is a blend of old government formality and the raw energy of a capital city that never completely slows down.

Tip: Be cautious with valuables — this area gets crowded.

5. Discover the Ruins of Tiwanaku

One of the most important archaeological sites in South America, Tiwanaku lies about 75km outside La Paz and dates back more than 1500 years. This civilisation predated the Incas and shaped much of Andean culture. The site includes temples, monoliths, gateways and plazas that reveal the sophistication of Tiwanaku engineering and astronomy.

Highlights include the Kalasasaya Temple, the massive Akapana Pyramid and the iconic Gateway of the Sun. A museum on-site provides essential context and displays artefacts unearthed during decades of excavations.

Tip: Visit with a guide — the symbolism and history are far richer when explained properly.

6. Shop and Snack in Calle Sagárnaga

This sloping street in central La Paz is one of the city’s best areas for browsing handicrafts and locally made goods. You’ll find alpaca sweaters, colourful textiles, ceramics, leather items and small boutiques selling unique Andean-inspired designs. It’s also filled with cafés serving fresh juices, empanadas and local snacks.

Calle Sagárnaga connects easily with the Witches’ Market, making it ideal to explore both in one go. The area is lively but easy to navigate, with welcoming shop owners and a fun, youthful vibe.

Tip: Bargaining is acceptable but keep it friendly and respectful.

7. Take in the Views at Killi Killi Lookout

Killi Killi is one of the best viewpoints in La Paz, offering sweeping 360-degree views over the city bowl and its surrounding mountains. From here, you can clearly see the dramatic way La Paz spills into a deep canyon, with El Alto stretching across the plateau above.

It’s especially impressive at sunrise or sunset when warm light hits the brick buildings and creates golden tones across the cityscape. The lookout is accessible by taxi or a short uphill walk for those comfortable with altitude.

Tip: Early morning light produces the clearest views before haze builds.

8. Visit the Coca Museum

The Coca Museum (Museo de la Coca) is one of La Paz’s most unique attractions. It explains the history, cultural importance and controversies surrounding the coca leaf — a plant used ceremonially for thousands of years in the Andes but globally associated with cocaine.

Exhibits explore traditional uses, colonial suppression, modern medicine and political issues. It’s small but informative and offers a perspective rarely found outside Bolivia. A shop at the end sells coca-based products like teas and candies.

Tip: Consider visiting early in your trip for context when you see locals chewing coca.

9. Explore El Alto’s Giant Street Markets

El Alto, the sprawling city above La Paz, hosts some of the biggest open-air markets in Bolivia. The Thursday and Sunday markets stretch for kilometres and sell everything imaginable: electronics, textiles, street food, tools, traditional clothing, antiques, auto parts — even animals.

It’s chaotic, vibrant and incredibly authentic. Walking the markets is a cultural adventure in itself, with vendors calling out offers and shoppers negotiating prices. The markets are also excellent for sampling Bolivian street foods like salteñas or anticuchos.

Tip: Go with a guide for the safest, most insightful experience.

10. Experience Andean Culture at the Cholitas Wrestling

One of the most entertaining and unusual things to do in La Paz is attending a Cholitas Wrestling show. Taking place in El Alto, these events feature Indigenous Aymara women in traditional dresses performing theatrical wrestling routines — full of acrobatics, comedy and crowd participation.

What began as a novelty has become a beloved cultural performance symbolising empowerment and pride. The atmosphere is lively, friendly and unforgettable, making this a standout evening activity.

Tip: Tours include transport, which is recommended since shows finish after sunset.